http://www.digitalplay.info/blog/2010/03/02/crime-investigation-topic-based-interactive-reader/
A computer room reading activity for individual or pair work.
Level: Upper Intermediate & above (adults)
Topic: Crime (Solve a murder)
Language Focus: Understanding Language in Context
Time: Computer room + homework to finish (1 hour to complete)
Game: Crime & Investigation
Preparation
A There is an in-game toolbar that you need to make learners aware of before they play the game:
1 Access to all the files containing information on autopsy room, case screening room, investigation board, interrogation room , evidence lab and research library
2 Quick link to the evidence lab.
3 Checklist – tells you what you need to be doing.
4 Messages – During the course of the game you will get calls on the case. If you hear it ringing you should answer it.
5 Map – Includes areas where clues, witnesses and suspects can be found.
The two most important in-game tools are the checklist and Case Files.
B Learners should make an ingame dictionary and take their notebooks to the computer room to make notes on difficult language. Dictate the following table in class:
Play
1 Learners access the game and can watch or skip the introduction at the beginning
2 Learners play the game recording any language they feel is particularly important and that they don’t know in their tables (see above)
3 As you monitor look at the language they record and ask questions like:
“Where did you see this word?”, “What were you doing?”, “How is this word(s) relevant to the case?” etc
Learners describe the game context they saw the language in and you negotiate the meaning of the language.
4 If a learner is having difficulty and is further behind the others you should be able to direct them to another player/ pair who can help them.
Post Activity
Back in the classroom set learners some dictionary work to find out the meaning of any of the language they are still unsure about.
Learners can teach and test each other on the new language items.